M4/ Comp v M2 Comp. What to do?

[Msportman]

So my dilemma is both of these cars have come into being affordable.
This will be a weekend toy but I want feedback on ownership experience.
I’ll also be doing the odd trackday once a year so what are the week points?

I know there’s a big size difference and the cabin on the M4 feels more premium but do they drive very similarly? Is the M2 Comp more tail happy ?
What are they like in the winter on wet roads? I note Mr Achilles loved his M2 following a spring change as it softened the ride and made it more compliant. Are they nervous twitchy beasts on back roads?
On the other hand I see Chris Harris has fitted Bilstein coil overs on his.....I assume from this stock suspension isn’t that great for perhaps track use??
I am looking at low mileage early M2’s but people say they an upgraded M240 don’t bother and go Comp. I know all of the relevant differences between the Comp and stock M2.

I’m coming from a sorted MK 7 Golf R with a BBK and over 400bhp so I want an upgrade over my current Golf which I’ve had from new. Love the E92 V8 but maybe looking at higher maintenance with one of those and they’re looking a bit dated now.

[Olympus593]

If it’s a ‘toy’ you want then the M2 feels exactly that after the M3/M4;They drive more like serously sorted saloons (which they are) but lack that sense of outright fun.
I definitely preferred my M2C to the M3C which surprisingly felt harsher and noisier,the M2C is just the sweet spot from BMW M.

It’s such a great car to drive all the time no matter what speed you are doing but the performance available is outrageous,it feels very special when you guide it into a corner-it has that sports car like taugtness that never gets boring and this means it’s always satisfying to drive.

They are great cars.

[Olympus593]

I forgot to answer about winter driving.MDM mode is the best bet I still can’t believe how good it is because it gives you a reward rather than a slap.It just gives you enough to play with without interfering abruptly,Its so progressive and smooth makes the old stuff seem archaic with their on/off systems.

DSC off is fine but demands a lot of respect,the power comes in very quickly and the diff is electronic so it actively reacts to your inputs and the road surface.The main thing is just to be really progressive with the steering and not rush anything because the powertrain is hyperactive in its response-everything is linked together;steering,engine,diff,so you have to try and harmonise it all and find a nice sweet spot of having balls out fun but also being safe aswell.

[Bikeracer1098]

I perviously had an M4 comp pack.
Never really gelled with the car, the suspension felt underdamped and would easily get tied up in knots when throwing through a set of bends etc.
Also it wasn’t that quick, but would suddenly kick out on damp or uneven surfaces.
The interior also rattled continuously and BMW were unable to resolve the issues with the rattles. Maybee the suspension in sport mode was just too stiff.
It unfortunately lived in the shadow of my 911 turbo which excelled at everything that was thrown at it.
I am however looking at getting an M2 comp pack as a daily driver but haven't yet driven one.

[Msportman]

Olympus593 said:

I forgot to answer about winter driving.MDM mode is the best bet I still can’t believe how good it is because it gives you a reward rather than a slap.It just gives you enough to play with without interfering abruptly,Its so progressive and smooth makes the old stuff seem archaic with their on/off systems.

DSC off is fine but demands a lot of respect,the power comes in very quickly and the diff is electronic so it actively reacts to your inputs and the road surface.The main thing is just to be really progressive with the steering and not rush anything because the powertrain is hyperactive in its response-everything is linked together;steering,engine,diff,so you have to try and harmonise it all and find a nice sweet spot of having balls out fun but also being safe aswell.

Thanks

I need to get to try one locally if possible.
I prefer one with warranty but happy to look at 17-18 plate cars.
I wonder how good a M2C would be with KW V3’s, Clubsports or Bilstein B16’s??

Are the Michelin MPS4’s better than the Mich Supersports on the M2?

Think I will be looking forward in the New Year hunting for a good one once I sell my R. I’ll miss that car no doubt for ridiculous all weather ability and I’ve made it a great track weapon in between its daily duties.

[ben5575]

Some excellent points above which I agree with, so shan't repeat.

TL:DR the M2C is a very rapid, fun and progressive car that is small enough to hustle along roads like this whereas the bigger M4 might not be - but this might not be an issue for you: https://www.google.com/maps/@54.3700856,-1.9259822...

You don't need to worry about it biting if you're a reasonably competent driver.

I went out for an essential 2hr drive through Wensleydale this morning wearing fresh Alpin 4s. Mixed conditions incl leaves, sheep st, mud and a mix of dry, damp and wet roads at 4.5degrees.

Traction on, gears in max, engine on 2 (3 was too spiky for the grip) and it was absolutely fine with care. As above, the turn in and particularly exit are a joy. Dealt with mad cambers, significant subsidence and undulations without drama. Requires attention and respect but you would expect that in a rwd car with 410bhp in these conditions.

In the dry on the std MPSS, it really isn't an issue and again as above, the MDM is lovely and progressive - 'rewarding' is the perfect word. Unless you're driving like a dick, the only time I feel like I need to be careful is when you pull out to overtake and switch onto mixed grip and white lines - the car will absolutely let know know if you're too aggressive with the throttle. I've heard it can get squirmy in 3rd and 4th WOT at 6k which I suspect would comfortably be into three figures. I could see how that might be entertaining.

I feel the engine can be a little wanting at 3,500 to around 5,000 rpm, but after that it really kicks in yo.

JA gets his kit for free on the back of youtube puff pieces, don't believe the hype. Oh and the standard brakes are fine for the road.

[Mark83]

For one track day a year, don't comprise it's on road capability.

A pad and fluid change is fine for track days. I run RS29s in standard calipers and they're great.

I went with an M4 Comp as I use mine almost daily, preferred the paint options, interior and got a big discount making it the same price as a M2C. One of the biggest issues is the lack of front camber adjustment. I've killed the front shoulders of the Super Sports after three track days this year.

I don't really push on in poor/winter conditions neither do I turn the DSC off on the road so can't really comment on its behaviour in poor conditions.